About Us

We are British Columbia’s health research agency. We are working towards a future where BC is recognized worldwide for its vibrant, coherent, inclusive and globally competitive health research system, which improves the health of British Columbians, the health system and the economy. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous reconciliation and self-determination continues to guide us.

As a provincial organization, our work extends across many Indigenous lands and territories throughout BC. We acknowledge with respect and humility that our Vancouver office is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Current Funding Opportunities

Scholar Program

Supports early career health researchers, helping them form their own research teams, train the next generation of scientists and develop world-leading research programs.

Health Professional-Investigator (HP-I) Program

Supports health professionals who are actively involved in patient care to build their health research programs, train the next generation of scientists, and make significant contributions to their field.

CANTRAIN Clinical Research Internships

Michael Smith Health Research BC partners with Canadian Consortium of Clinical Trial Training (CANTRAIN), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, to help increase clinical trials training, expertise and capacity in BC and across Canada.

Health Research BC-Mitacs Health System Focused Opportunity

Through a partnership with Mitacs, this opportunity provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with placements at health organizations or municipalities focused on improving health to gain experience working with BC’s health system and apply their research skills to address pressing health and health system focused challenges.

Health Research BC-Mitacs Industry-Based Opportunity

Through a partnership with Mitacs, the program provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with a placement at a life sciences company in order to gain business skills within the sector.

Applications are now open for:

Latest News

News

Michael Smith Health Research BC congratulates the 2024 Research Trainee awardees. The image features a grid with photos of 43 awardees. Each awardee is smiling and professionally dressed, with a background that varies from indoor settings to natural environments. The text reads "CONGRATULATIONS 2024 Research Trainee" in bold white letters against a blue background at the bottom of the image.

Research Trainee awards fuel health innovation

29 October 2024

Michael Smith Health Research BC is funding 44 emerging researchers from across BC through the 2024 Research Trainee competition.

News

Graphic for the 2025 HPI-I & Scholar competitions open. It features headshots of the award's previous recipients.

Scholar and Health Professional-Investigator Programs: 2025 competitions now open

24 October 2024

These awards provide funding to support BC’s health researchers in advancing science and improving the health of British Columbians.

News

Image of the 2025 Clinical Trials BC Awards. The image features Clinical Trials BC's logo and a glass trophy.

2025 Clinical Trials BC Awards open for nominations

16 October 2024

These awards honour individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to strengthening the BC clinical trials ecosystem. Submit your nominations by December 3, 2024.

See more news